By Jodi Mcdaniel
Sunday May 28th marks the 15th anniversary of the Trek for Tourette. This is the Tourette Syndrome awareness walk which will be done across Canada. Our Muskoka chapter will commence the Trek at 1pm from Gull Lake park through the streets of Gravenhurst. Come on out and cheer or honk your horns if you drive by our group.
May 15 through June 15 is TS awareness month. We wear teal to support TS awareness. Fyonna Vanderwerf, owner of Hive Muskoka https://hivemuskoka.ca/ in Bracebridge is not only participating in the Trek with her dog Jack but is also promoting awareness at her amazing and inclusive gym. She’s been spreading the word and helping to raise money for our Muskoka chapter.
Funds generated through Trek for Tourette will help our Tourette Muskoka chapter to continue delivering its excellent support and educational programs and enable the organization to enhance and expand its current offerings.
Through a national network of committed Affiliates, Tourette Canada provides a range of services to those living with Tourette Syndrome and their families. The main objective of the organization is to creating awareness and understanding of Tourette Syndrome through education, advocacy, support and the promotion of research.
Tourette Canada’s logo, a soaring kite, is a symbol of struggle and success. Each kite’s journey is unique, individual and apparently random, much like those who live with TS. Buffeted by the wind, it can sometimes be a challenge to defy gravity and stay aloft. With the help of its string the kite can be guided and encouraged; its path can be smoothed and it can fly higher, further, stronger and longer. With appropriate support the kite’s flight is balanced, fulfilling and beautiful – just as we wish every person’s life to be.
Seeing someone with Tourette’s having tics is uncomfortable for some. This is why awareness and education is so important. Many people with TS are made fun of. My daughter has struggled with this. I’m so grateful that she has put together a team including good friends, gym members (and their awesome pups). This is the second year Kal and I have proudly participated.
Many people are not properly educated on Tourette Syndrome, most people just think it’s just blurting out swear words but in fact, less than 10% of those with Tourette’s will swear and this is called coprolalia.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a nervous system condition that includes repetitive involuntary muscular tics as well as vocal tics.
From Kal:
I’ve been diagnosed with TS for five years and it’s been difficult for me especially this past year in dealing with bullying and self confidence. I am raising awareness for Tourette Syndrome and those going through the same thing as me. In my experience, having TS can be viewed as a negative thing which can change how people view me as a person, I have faced many personal challenges but I am proud of how far i’ve come in my journey. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about life with Tourette Syndrome or about the condition in general Tourette Canada offers many educational programs and information about TS.
I’ve learned TS is nothing to be ashamed of and I shouldn’t feel the need to try and hold in my tics so I don’t make other people uncomfortable, as it is not something I can control or change about myself, and although there are a lot of people who don’t accept who I am, or understand Tourette’s, I have an amazing support system and this is one of the main reasons why I am the person I have become today who is not afraid to talk about my life with Tourette’s or hold in my tics anymore
Should you wish to donate, you can do so by clicking on the link here.
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